Three talking points as Downs target Champions League crown

NINETY minutes, perhaps more, stand between Mamelodi Sundowns and the chance to etch their name into African football history as they prepare to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday (7pm kick-off).

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Eight years have passed since their first moment of continental glory, and only now do the South African giants return to the grandest stage once again.

In the first leg at Loftus Versfeld, Lucas Ribeiro Costa sent the crowd into a frenzy with a second-half opener, only for Walid El Karti to silence the celebrations with a cruel, last-gasp equaliser, leaving the tie balanced at 1-1 heading into a fierce Cairo night.

The disappointment hung heavy - etched on the faces of players, echoed in the silence of thousands at Loftus Versfeld.

Yet, within that moment of heartbreak may lie a hidden gift.

Had they clung to a slender 1-0 lead, the instinct might have been to retreat, to protect, to defend what they had.

But now, with the away-goals rule tilting the tie in Pyramids' favour, there is no room for hesitation, no space for safety.